Having owned MB E class Wagons in the past and BMW 325 xiT in the past Volvo appears to be an interesting choice.
I want to get input of current XC 70 owners ( since this is the only wagon volvo makes ) to see if their experience has been pleasant. What to avoid and consider and see if European Delivery options.
I looked at Subaru Outback and did not like. New MB wagon does appear to be a good choice but a bit pricey.

ratan

 

I have had 3 MBs (1988 300TE 4Matic and 1992 600SEL, plus my current CL65) and they were great vehicles. But after Chysler became involved the quality dipped precipitately which is why you still see old MBs but rarely see anything from the late 90's / early 2000's still on the road. That being said, it appears that they are back to their original quality standards after that 10 year hiatus into mediocrity. The current E350 wagon is a great car and I would have considered it if it were out in 2008 when I bought my latest Volvo.

Unfortunately BMW and Audi have pretty much stopped selling their mid-sze wagons in the US. Too bad as the A6 Avant and 5 Series Touring were fantastic vehicles.

I have had a lot of Volvos and have had great luck with all of them. My current 2008 XC70 (3.2, AWD) has 40k miles and has been absolutely reliable. Other than a headlight washer hose that developed a leak I have not had 1 single warranty claim in 4 years. This is the same experience I had with my 97 960 and it has over 300k on it now. Others experience with the car may not be the same but that is mine.

Can't think of anything to avoid with the XC70. However, you may want to consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. I bought my top of the line XC70 (everything but DVD in the headrests) at 1 year old with 8 k miles. Saved me $21k off the price of a new one and I was able to negotiate an no-cost extended (beyond CPO) Volvo warranty into the deal. I am now fully covered bumper to bumper by Volvo until 2018 and 108,000 miles. If you search those deals are out there.

The European Delivery offering from Volvo is fantastic and I would highly recommend it. It is simple, gives you the opportunity to drive your car around Europe, and definitely provides good memories when you later sitting in your car in your bumper to bumper commute.

The Subaru is a great car but does not fill the same niche as the Volvo or other European wagons. Different expectations may make it a viable vehicle.

I hope that helps.

 

Thank you for the information.
I finally had chance to do a long test drive on a 2012 MB E 350 Wagon and also had chance to borrow Volvo XC 60 for a day. Although MB is much more expensive i see major differences. MB has a tight feel and drives like a car (a nice car). Volvo on the other hand is more close to a drive in Subaru Outback where the car sits high, drives more ponderous with less secure feel.Volvo does feel brighter with larger windows, nice ride and softer feel.
Not sure what may eventually end up in the garage but my bias is with MB.

Ratan

 

I thought you were looking at the XC70? The XC70 definitely drives differently from the XC60.

 

my typo it is XC 70 we tried over weekend

 

OK - Interesting. When I test drove the E350 I did not find a huge driving experience difference with the XC70. It may very well be up to the wheel/tire choice or possibly the sport suspension option on the E350. I drove a standard trim E350.

I'm sure you will be happy with either car.

 

Was it an earlier E350 ?
Expect difference in newer one more so

ratan

 

It was the latest, sharp angular E350. I believe it was new for 2010.

 

Best benefit is excellent cargo capacity (width and height).
One odd thing I noticed after the shift to a 2005 XC70 from a '94 530IT was that the volvo seemed a little springy (like a rocking horse) when you stop. Of course you can manage this with steady break pressure, but I don't remember this happening with either 530 that I owned.
It seems to be more expensive to maintain with regard to suspension/ steering / bearings issues.

 

Unfortunately BMW has decided not to bring 5 series Wagon to USA. I do not like current 3 series wagon. When it comes to driving in general German's win.
Volvo has large capacity, plush interior, heated rear seats and comfortable ride. Not a good driver's car.

 

If you want a wagon that is a drivers car I wouldn't even look at the XC70 or E350. I would buy a used E63 wagon. They cost the same as a E350 or XC70 but will blow either away in any driving situation. Of course they are also loud, drink a lot of gas, are expensive to maintain, depreciate like a rock, and have a very firm ride. But boy do they drive nice.

Honestly, I decided to buy 2 cars. An XC70 for everyday driving and a MB CL65 for fun. I bought both used and paid not a whole lot more total than a reasonably well equipped E350 would cost. And I have the best of both worlds.